A New EV Fleet Hits LA Streets
Los Angeles just gained a new transportation option. Green SM, a Vietnam based ride hailing company, has deployed 500 electric vehicles across the city in its first U.S. market launch. The fleet consists entirely of VinFast VF8 electric sedans, painted in distinctive cyan, and each vehicle is operated by a trained full time driver employed directly by the company.
This marks a significant moment for both the ride hailing industry and the EV market. While services like Uber and Lyft dominate with driver owned vehicles, Green SM takes a different approach: the company owns every vehicle, hires employees rather than contractors, and commits to zero emissions transportation. For consumers accustomed to traditional ride hailing apps, this represents a genuine alternative.
How This Differs from Uber and Lyft
The operational model sets Green SM apart. Instead of recruiting independent contractors who use personal vehicles, the company employs 500 drivers full time and provides each with a company owned EV. This means every vehicle in the fleet receives consistent maintenance, every driver undergoes standardized training, and the entire system is built around reliability and environmental responsibility.
Riders in Los Angeles can access Green SM vehicles through the mobile app, a dedicated hotline, or by hailing on the street like traditional taxis. Pricing adjusts based on distance and time, similar to competitors, but the introductory offer provides 50 percent off the first five rides plus a free Green Pass membership that delivers monthly vouchers for 30 percent discounts.
What the VinFast VF8 Brings to the Table
The VinFast VF8 is a five seater electric sedan that produces zero tailpipe emissions. While VinFast, Vietnam’s most popular automaker domestically, entered the U.S. market in 2023, the brand has struggled to gain traction with American consumers. Recent registration data showed fewer than 400 VinFast vehicles registered in the country from January through July 2026. Like other luxury EV models now reshaping the automotive landscape, the VF8 aims to deliver a polished driving experience, though earlier versions drew criticism regarding handling and build quality.
For Angelenos, this deployment offers an accessible way to experience VinFast’s latest generation vehicles without purchase commitment. It’s also a real world test of whether the automaker’s newer models have addressed earlier concerns.
What This Means for EV Adoption
Green SM’s launch signals growing confidence in electric vehicle infrastructure and consumer readiness for EV based services in major American cities. The company already operates 850 million rides annually across Europe and Asia, demonstrating proven operational expertise. Their decision to invest in Los Angeles reflects belief that the market supports a dedicated EV ride hailing fleet.
This expansion also highlights how emerging EV technology and business models are reshaping transportation options for everyday consumers. Rather than waiting for the entire vehicle fleet to transition gradually, dedicated EV services can accelerate the adoption curve by normalizing electric vehicles in daily commutes.
Why This Matters for Shoppers
If you’re considering an EV purchase, Green SM’s arrival provides practical benefits. First, you gain exposure to a production electric vehicle through regular use, reducing uncertainty about battery range, charging convenience, and overall EV ownership experience. Second, you can evaluate VinFast as a brand and the VF8 specifically before committing to ownership.
For the broader automotive market, Green SM represents validation that consumers value companies building complete ecosystems around electric transportation. Their employee driven model also demonstrates an alternative to the gig economy structure that has defined modern ride hailing. Whether this approach gains wider adoption may influence how other ride services structure their future EV fleets.
Current Los Angeles residents can download the Green SM app or visit their available service areas to test ride the new EV fleet. For those researching electric vehicles or considering EV adoption, these vehicles will operate on real streets with real drivers, making them valuable real world references for anyone weighing their next transportation choice.
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